PHMSA Guidance on Use of International Hazmat Shipping Standards

Earlier this year, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced a Final Rule to harmonize the 49 CFR hazmat shipping requirements with international standards. PHMSA then withdrew Final Rule HM 215N before it was published in the Federal Register in response to a “freeze” on new regulations put in place by the new president of the US.

Since the Final Rule was withdrawn, dangerous goods shippers and industry groups have voiced concerns about how to package, mark, and ship hazardous materials for transport outside of the US. Today, PHMSA has issued guidance that provides some clarity for shippers.
 

PHMSA Notice Regarding IMDG Code and ICAO Technical Instructions

In the notice issued today, February 27, PHMSA states that
hazmat inspectors will not take enforcement action against any offeror or carrier who is properly using the 2017-18 versions of the IMDG Code or ICAO Technical Instructions (TI) when all or part of the transportation is by air or vessel. 

“PHMSA hereby gives notice that while it decides whether or not to adopt the 2017-18 versions of these international standards, it will not take enforcement action against any offeror or carrier who is using the 2017-18 versions of these standards… "

PHMSA will allow the use of either the 2015--16 international standards or the 2017--18 standards until further notice. In addition, PHMSA will not take enforcement action against any offeror or carrier who accepts for domestic or international transportation by any mode packages marked or labeled in accordance with the 2017--18 versions of the international hazmat rules.

Next Month: DG Shipper Training in Houston, Dallas, and more!

Don’t miss expert-led 49 CFR, IATA DGR, and IMDG Code training when it comes to your area in March. Build a step-by-step process for keeping your hazmat shipments in compliance with the latest requirements. Whether you ship hazmat every day or just once in a while, knowing your responsibilities is crucial to avoid rejection, costly customs delays, and DOT fines now as high as $77,114 per day, per violation.

The Complete Multimodal Hazmat Shipper Certification Workshops will be presented in Houston on March 7-10.

Or attend only the days you need:
DOT Hazmat Training for Ground Shippers in Houston on March 7-8, Dallas on March 15-16, and Little Rock on March 20-21.

IATA DGR Training for Air Shippers in Houston on March 9 and Dallas on March 17

IMDG Code Training for Vessel Shippers in Houston on March 10. 

Tags: DOT, hazmat shipping, IATA, IMDG, new rules